Beyond Apartheid: Empowerment in Vrygrond, South Africa

As a Klemm Fellow, I spent three weeks interning at Where Rainbows Meet, a non-profit organization in Vrygrond, South Africa. Vrygrond's history is marked by the legacy of Apartheid and ongoing socio-economic challenges. My work focused on supporting the organization's unique initiatives, including contributing to IT program development, assisting with the community garden, supporting the local feeding scheme, and participating in community events such as a graduation ceremony and a Christmas party. This presentation reflects on the challenges of addressing systemic inequality, the power of community-led solutions, and the transformative potential of combining technology, practical skills, and social support in a post-Apartheid context. The experience also provided unique insights into South African culture, from Cape Town's jazz scene to its wine industry.